Guided Math Chapter One

I am joining the fun and participating in Primary Inspired's book study of Guided Math.  My school district is adopting the math part of AMSTI this year.  For those of you that do not like in Alabama, AMSTI stands for the Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative.  You can read more about it here.  AMSTI has been shown to help students develop a deeper understanding of math through math workshop.  Reading Guided Math this summer will hopefully assist me in running Math Workshop and helping my students to create their own understanding of mathematics through experiences.

That being said...Here are some of my thoughts on Chapter One:
1.  I think most of us would agree with the opening description of past (and sometimes current) math instruction in which the teacher stands in front of the room and you either get it or don't.  I remember how intimidating and frustrating this was for me as a child.  There were times I would be too scared to ask a question or even not know what kind of question to ask.  I do NOT want that for my students!

2.  I was shocked at some of the data that was reported in this chapter.  Those figures of adults that can not do daily task that involve math application are not acceptable to me.  Yet somehow they are for a lot of leaders in education.  I wish more people knew exactly how far our country and kids are when it comes to math.

3. After four years of teaching 4th grade, I agree whole heartily that "lack of conceptual understanding handicaps students as they face more difficult math challenges in upper grades."  One student of mine this year comes to mind.  He wanted to learn but just had so many misconceptions and such a lack of basic number concepts it made it incredibly hard for him.

4. Meaningful- That is the word that kept coming up for me while reading this chapter.  Students need meaningful experiences with math.  They need to know how it will come up in their real lives.  Making that connection will hopefully keep them engaged and learning.

5. Last thing I promise! Students need to feel safe in your classroom.  They need to know that they are respected by you and their peers.  I really want to make sure I work on this by being open to all answers and keeping my face and comments positive while students learn their mistakes with my guidance. 

I encourage everyone to join the book study or at least read the blog posts related to it.  Your students' math instruction is too important to ignore.

Pray for Lucy

My dear friends,

  About a year and a half ago my sister, Sara, learned about a little girl in TN who was suffering from cancer.  Her name is Lucy.  Lucy has become a very familiar name in the Coleman family household since then.  We all follow her mother's blog which shares this beautiful family's joys, hopes, and deep sorrows.  We all pray for Lucy and her family often.  Sara even did a 5k for Lucy while she was carrying her 3rd child. 
  Sadly, Lucy's short life is coming to an end.  I wanted to share the link to her mother's blog because even though their story is heart breaking, it is a beautiful story of faith, determination, and love.  I ask that you take a few minutes out of your day to learn about Lucy and her family so you can say a prayer for them during this time.  I hope that Lucy claims a small part of your heart as she has done with my family so that you can remember to love and live with with a renewed fire each day. 

http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/

Summer Reading List

The Clutter-Free Classroom is having a linky party about Summer Reading (and a give away to go along with it.  I always have a ton of books on my Amazon Wish List, in my book basket, and on my Nook.  This summer I plan on reading the Daily Five book and The Cafe book for the online book study.  I am also doing Primary Inspired book study on Guided Math (and hopefully hosting a chapter here!).  Not all of my summer reading will be professional development though.  Here are more books on my to read list:

        

       

Another Classroom Makeover

Last summer I completely redecorated my classroom-new curtains, new colors, new borders, new everything.  Looks like I have a another classroom makeover ahead of me this summer.  Since I am moving to 3rd grade, I am also moving to a new room.  This room was a kindergarten room last year and is a lot smaller than my old room.  I have no idea where to put all my books! I took some pictures of my new room on the last day of school and I am sharing them below.  Stay tuned as I work out my organization and decorations over the summer! Any and all suggestions and ideas are welcome as usual!

All the decorations on the wall belong to the Kindergarten teacher who is moving down the hall.

Green walls and a yellow floor-yikes!

Those are some of my books and supplies that I moved in on the last day of school.

I am thinking of doing a reading focus wall to the right of the Promethean Board and possibly my Mountain Math to the left.

Whopps a bit blurry.  Two big storage units!!

Those bins go underneath the counter.  I plan on putting my computer on the counter and my kidney table in front of the counter.  I am not going to have a teacher desk this year.  Mine always collects junk and I never use it. 

Book Study!!!

I know, I know, I am breaking the rules by posting twice in a day.  (let's face it I need to post three times a day to make up for all my absences!).  I am just so excited about a new blog I stumbled upon today that I had to share.  Lorraine from Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies and some other fab bloggers have started a new blog called We Read, We Blog, We Teach.  This is a blog dedicated to upper elementary teachers and book studies.  Their first book studies are on Daily 5 and The CAFE book.  I have read a lot about these ideas on blogs but I have never read the books.  I am really excited to read and discuss these books this summer.  I use Reading Street but I am interested in incorporating Daily Five into my routine and hopefully this book study will help me.  YAY!! I am so super pumped. 

And know I have again confirmed what a dork I am! Oh Well!

My Favorite Websites-A linky party!

3-6 Resources is having a linky party so I decided to join in.  The topic is your favorite websites.  I use a lot of websites to find resources, games, and activities.  Here are a few of my favorites!

Shepphard's Software- They have great math games here. My favorite thing on this site is the science though.  My kids love all the food chain games and info!

Reading Street Links for 4th Grade- I used this site almost every week to set up my computer centers.  We did a lot of the grammar games during whole group as well.  I hope I can find one for 3rd grade!

Ms. Sanchez's Class- She has great printables and graphic organizers.  Check it out! You will love it.

Honestly, some of my favorite sites are your blogs! Oh and Teachers Pay Teachers and Pinterest!

Calling all 3rd grade teachers...

  I have news to share with y'all.  I am officially moving to 3rd grade after four years in 4th.  Even though this means I will not be teaching next door to my good friend Brooke anymore, I am excited about the new challenge.  I will be moving to a new classroom and trying to figure out how to arrange everything and what colors to put with the green walls and yellow floors.  Ekk!  I will post pictures of my new room as soon as I can so be on the lookout for those!
  Alright my 3rd grade teaching friends, any advice for me? Oh and what are your favorite read alouds or novel studies?